TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Accusations fly as Megawati chastises party cadres
The PDI-P challenged the poll body and went as far as reporting the case to the Supreme Court, which later issued an edict to support the party.
Change Size
Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri delivers a speech during the opening ceremony of the fifth PDI-P congress in Sanur, Bali, on Aug. 8. (JP/Zul Trio Anggono)
W
hile beginning a national gathering on Friday, the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) found itself at the center of a corruption scandal and faced allegations that it had abused its power to ensure a seat in the House of Representatives for one of its favored members.
The seat previously belonged to PDI-P politician Nazarudin Kiemas but was left empty after his death in March 2019.
The largest party in the House and a major supporter of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, the PDI-P now stands accused of funneling money to General Elections Commission (KPU) member Wahyu Setiawan with the aim of influencing the KPU to choose legislative candidate Harun Masiku as a replacement — even though he had garnered fewer votes than other party hopefuls in the April legislative election.
PDI-P chief Megawati Soekarnoputri unleashed her fury in the opening speech of a party meeting in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, emphasizing that she would not protect party members who violated party instructions and sought personal gain.
"I warn you all to be aware of our ideological tasks. If you are not ready, please go; get out of the PDI-P.”
In line with Law No. 7/2017 on election, the KPU determined that legislative candidate Riezky Aprilia would replace Nazarudin because she had secured the second-highest number of votes in the South Sumatra I electoral district.
The PDI-P challenged the commission and went as far as reporting the case to the Supreme Court, which later issued an edict to support the party.
